Pehtoori coffee pot by Antti Nurmesniemi for Wärtsilä-Finel

Antti Nurmesniemi (1927–2003), best known for his work as an interior architect and furniture designer, also left his mark on everyday household objects. Early in his career, in 1957, he designed a series of innovative coffee pots for the Finnish company Wärtsilä. The bright, cheerful colors of the pots were selected by his wife, Vuokko Nurmesniemi, a prominent textile artist.

The rapid urbanization of the late 1950s and the growing presence of electric appliances influenced both kitchenware and coffee-making habits. The enamel Pehtoori coffee pot was designed for use on electric stoves. Nurmesniemi paid special attention to functionality: the handle, made of melamine, was placed as far from the hot surface as possible to ensure it stayed cool during use. Inside the pot, a removable percolator directed hot water through the coffee grounds, and a transparent knob on the lid allowed users to monitor the brewing process.

With the Pehtoori, Wärtsilä-Finel aimed to modernize its enamelware production. The pot was available in a range of vivid colors, including red, yellow, blue, white, and black. In addition to the standard two-liter version, a smaller one-liter model—nicknamed “Pikku-Pehtoori”—was also produced. Nurmesniemi even designed a stylish retail package to accompany the product.